State Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Fracking Rules

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters says now is the time for those concerned about how the state regulates hydraulic fracturing to speak up.

Credit michiganlcv.org

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WEMU's Bob Eccles reports.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is holding public hearings to get input on proposed rules regarding "fracking".

Jack Schmitt is deputy director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. He says the rules as proposed fall far short.

"At the hearings it's our hope that our members show up, that the public shows up, and we will be making the case that we need stronger rules in place that what's been proposed," Schmitt says.

Schmitt says the Michigan League of Conservation Voters will testify that stricter guidelines are needed for reporting of chemicals used in the fracking process and assessing whether an area can withstand the kinds of large water withdrawals used in the process.

It will also push for baseline water quality testing to help determine whether fracking is hurting groundwater.

Testimony is being taken at 6:30 Wednesday evening at the Lansing Center in Lansing.